by L. Fergus
“If it weren’t for me you’d have nothing.”
“I’ve destroyed more in the universe than you ever will. You’re nothing compared to me.”
“You’re not too big for me to teach a lesson.”
“Try it.”
Kita grabbed Phoenix’s hand and jerked Phoenix to face her. “If you’re going to challenge me, you better have what it takes to beat me because I will pound you into the ground.”
“I’m not scared of you,” Phoenix said with a sneer. “You’re not a god anymore. Let go before I prove you’re an old has been.”
“Kylee, Kita, stop it. We do not need a fallen angel rumble right now,” said Aspen as she glided between the two fallen angels. Valentine grabbed Phoenix’s arm. Tina flittered in front of Kita.
“Kylee, don’t be a fool and underestimate your mom,” said Valentine. “You don’t know what power she has.”
“I know what she doesn’t have.” Phoenix raised her fist and fired a purplish-black flame burning a section of Kita’s face before Valentine grabbed Phoenix’s arm.
Kita bared her teeth as her damaged face healed. She phased behind Phoenix and punched her in the back of the head, lower back, and between the wings. Bending at the knees, Kita spun and swept Phoenix’s legs out from under her. She grabbed Phoenix by the hair and smashed her face against the deck. Lifting Phoenix’s head, Kita pushed her index finger against Phoenix’s forehead. Silver beads containing Phoenix’s bionanites and Angel genetic material emerged from Phoenix’s skin and ran to Kita’s finger. Kita took Phoenix’s abilities, leaving her a human with wings.
“What the slag are you doing, you psycho bitch?” Phoenix cried.
“I brought you into this world, I can take you out of it,” Kita hissed as she dropped Phoenix’s head.
“I’m still a god.”
Kita drew Dead. “Then I’ll send you to Infinity, and you can live like the other gods.”
“You can’t do this to me.”
“Can and have. Enjoy being human. Push me further, and I’ll take your wings.” Kita turned to Rainbow Jack. The pilot’s eyes were puffy, but her jaw set determined. Kita put her sword away. “Sorry. Sometimes my daughter’s head gets too big for the universe. I’m sorry for the embarrassment and hurt we caused you. It wasn’t my intention. I was impressed with your performance today and wanted to congratulate you. I see why you’re the best. I was hoping you’d join us—so we might get a chance to know you. I promise you, no one means you any malice. You’re among friends here. For some of us, you’re our first exposure to the idea of a transgender person. You took us by surprise, and we reacted poorly. What is your name?”
“Alex Rodriguez.”
“Alex, I’m terribly sorry. If you wish to leave, I understand. There will be no hard feelings, and I hope you can forgive us.”
“Who are you? The Princess has already apologized.”
“Really?” said Kita over the comm to Defiance.
“Someone had to do damage control on that little freak out. Your face was priceless, by the way. Watching you try and compute it was worth it.”
“She did take me by surprise.”
“You seemed to have adjusted quickly.”
“Who am I to tell her what she can be? If she wants to be a girl, let her. I feel sorry for her having to spend so much of her life in the wrong body.”
“Yes. I apologized for that also. Enterprise has been gone so long Alex missed her surgery date.”
“She’ll get another, right?”
“Of course.”
Kita smiled at Alex. “My name is Kita. I’m the leader of the Angels.”
Alex looked back at Defiance and Sheppard. “I thought you were Children of the emperor.”
“We are. It’s complicated.”
“Kita and the others are friends of the Empire,” said Defiance. “They’ve shared their technology with us, and in return, they have been made Children of the emperor.”
“So, they’re aliens?”
A few of the Angels giggled.
“No,” said Kita. “We come from a lost world populated by citizens of the Empire. The planet was cut off and left to fend for itself. We are the apex of evolution, but Angels aren’t born. They’re made. Hence my interest in you.”
“Me? I’m just a fighter pilot, and I’m loyal to the emperor.”
“If you haven’t noticed, some of the emperor’s finest have wings.”
“Admiral Sheppard is a legend, and the princess is, well, the princess.”
“I also have Captain Jessica Rabbit and Lieutenant Amanda Gering of the Political Bureau.”
The blood drained from Alex’s face.
“They’re quite nice once you get to know them,” Kita said with a smile.
Valor and Stormy waved at the anxious pilot.
“The rest of these girls are either citizens of the Empire, survivors of the lost world, or girls I’ve met in Tet space. We have a myriad of talents and abilities. Most of us are fighters, and we’re headed to Earth to settle a score with General Galina Lyakhova of the Political Bureau.”
“What did she do?” said Alex while giving Stormy and Valor curious looks.
“To put it simply, she betrayed us and killed many of our friends in the process. Casey has been gracious enough to give us permission to go after her.”
“Casey?”
Kita pointed and winked at Defiance.
“Kita is my girlfriend,” said Defiance with a grin at Kita.
Alex’s jaw dropped. “Your Highness, she’s not—”
“Not what? You know nothing of Kita. She’s not one of the political pedigree bulls that wander through the halls of Dallas. I think she’s better. She was born into nobility, has reached the rank of commandant in the Legion, and been vicereine of an entire planet. I think she’s one to bring home to mom.”
“And what would your mom say about your wings and me?” said Kita.
“She’d probably sigh and wonder when the phase ends.” Kita pouted as everyone else laughed. “You’re not a phase, darlin’. You’re mine.”
“Eh-hem,” said Panther. “I claimed her long ago. And you may be a princess, but I am the God of Murder.”
“There’s enough of me to go around,” said Kita firmly to quell any violence.
“As long as I get mine,” said Panther.
Defiance chuckled. “How am I supposed to compete with that?”
“You’re not,” said Kita. “No one is competing over me.”
“You girls just don’t do it right,” said Anthrax. “Mom…Mom…MOM!”
Kita burst out laughing. She gave Anthrax a hug.
Alex gave off waves of confusion, doubt, and embarrassment.
“I’m many things to everyone,” said Kita to Alex. “Most importantly I am a friend, mother, protector. We are a family, and we take care of one another. I think you have what it takes to join us.”
“But why? What do I have to offer?” said Alex looking unsure and confused.
“I watched you today. You’re the best fighter pilot by far. I look for people who are the best or have the potential to be the best.” Kita smiled. “I can feel your conflict…your hesitation…your wonder. I can do many things…even make your dream come true, better than any surgeon.”
“Damn. When did you become a temptress?” Babydoll chided with a laugh.
“I’m just saying.”
“Who do you think you are?” said Alex. She gave Sheppard and Defiance a concerned look.
“To answer your question, I’m a god.” Kita turned Alex around. The Valkyrie Angels and Tina changed to their god forms—their Angel form made of millions of points of light.
“What trick is this?” Alex exclaimed. “Your Highness! This isn’t funny.”
“It’s not meant to be funny,” said Defiance. “She’s showing you the truth. There’s more to the universe than even I understand.”
“To prove to you I’m serious this is yours to keep.” Kita brushed Alex’s ch
eek with her hand.
Alex gasped and then doubled over. Tears flowed down her cheek. She cried in pain. After collapsing to the deck, she curled up in the fetal position. “By the emperor. What did you do to me?” she shrieked.
“What did you do?” demanded Defiance.
“I gave her what she wanted: to be female. The transformation is similar to getting wings, but it affects her entire body, not just her back. It’ll be like a bad period.”
“I never had a period.”
“Lucky you.”
Alex’s body relaxed and her cries became whimpers. The other Angels looked on sympathetically.
Anthrax knelt next to Alex and checked on her. “What did you do, Kita? I don’t see any wings.”
“I made her female,” said Kita.
Anthrax took Alex’s arm and drew a blood sample using the barb in the heel of her hand. While she analyzed the sample, she ran her hand over Alex’s body. “Damn, Kita. You did more than swap out parts—you changed her chromosomes. I can’t even tell she was ever male.”
“Good. I’d hate myself if I’d missed something.”
“No wings?” said Tina.
“She got the basic Angel package. We’ll see if she gets wings.”
Alex rolled onto her back and bent her legs. She took a few deep breaths. “By the emperor, what happened?” She raised her head and looked at Kita. “What did you do to me?”
“Have a look.”
“At what?”
“Does it feel like something’s missing?” scoffed Toxic.
Alex’s hand darted between her legs. She tore open her flight suit and peeked into her underwear. “It’s gone.”
“Replaced with a real working set of ovaries, a uterus, and a vagina. Your body is now female—as if you were born that way.”
“How?” exclaimed Alex.
“I told you we were gods, but I use that to speed up the process. It’s just good old-fashioned biochemistry.”
Tears welled up in Alex’s eyes. “Thank you.”
“I know what it’s like to be different.”
Alex stood up and gave Kita a hug. “I’m forever indebted to you.”
“It’s yours to keep, as are the other gifts.”
“Other gifts?”
“Talk to the Angels, they’ll tell you, but I need to go.”
“Go where?”
“Out. I’ll be back.”
Kita took a step back and phased on top of Enterprise near the stern. The stars filled the darkness. She sighed heavily, and tears trickled down her cheeks.
“Hey, baby, are you ok?” said Panther putting a hand on Kita’s shoulder. Defiance’s hand touched her other shoulder.
Babydoll walked around Panther. “You ok, killer?”
Kita shook her head.
“What’s wrong, darlin’,” said Defiance as she wrapped her arm around Kita’s waist.
“There was a time when I wished someone would come and fix me. I wanted so badly to be normal…to like boys. To make my father and mother love me and not be the outcast—the despised—the vile polluter. I just didn’t want people to hate me.” Kita buried her face in her hands.
“I’m so sorry, sweetheart. No one should have to grow up in that environment.”
“But you wouldn’t be who you are if you hadn’t,” said Panther.
“I know,” whispered Kita, “but everyone knows I’m different.”
“And we love you for it,” said Babydoll.
“Could you imagine Kita if she was normal?” said Panther.
“Yeah, she would have married some noble scum, lived miserably bearing children, and finally died in a drafty stone house.”
“By the Crushing Depths. That sounds awful,” Kita said with a tearful chuckle.
“Instead, you’re standing on top of a giant warship willing to do your heart’s desire, with no protective suit, staring at the stars in the arms of two gods and a princess. I like the different Kita way better.”
Kita sighed. Still so far to go.
A chime woke Kita. The panel on the wall flashed an incoming call. Kita pulled the covers over her chest, hiding the two heads beside her, and sat up. “Answer,” Kita said quietly.
Sheppard’s face appeared. “Kita! Hey, sorry to wake you, but I thought you’d like to know Snowy is out of surgery and awake.”
“Thanks, Rene. I’ll go down and talk to her so we can get out of here. Have you taken any rest?”
“Not yet. I’m trying to get the ship up to standard. The Tet left an awful mess, and the crew is trying to get back into rhythm.”
“Don’t overwork them. They need a break, too. Being a prisoner can be exhausting.”
“I’ve been rotating them.”
Kita nodded. “Make sure you take a rotation. I’ll get somebody to order it if I have to.”
“Do you know where the Princess disappeared to? I haven’t seen her in almost an entire shift.”
Kita glanced next to her. Defiance’s head appeared from under the sheet.
“Ta-da, you found me, Admiral. Is there something you need?”
Sheppard hung her head. “I’m speechless.”
Panther popped her head on Kita’s other side. “What’s she speechless about?” She let out a large cat-like yawn.
Sheppard’s mouth hung open.
“What?” said Kita.
“I—I—I’ve got nothing,” Sheppard replied with a despondent look.
“Rene, don’t be like that. Mostly we’ve been sleeping, but I owed Casey some time, and Vee joined us. If you need help, we’ll come. You don’t have to do it yourself.”
“No. I just—just get the coordinates of where we need to go.” Sheppard broke the connection.
“She seemed upset over us,” said Defiance.
Kita took Panther’s hand and opened a cloud connection for a brief conversation about Sheppard’s reaction.
“Yes, but Vee and I agree it’s not what you think.”
“Oh?”
“She wasn’t mad we were together,” said Panther. “She’s upset because she felt excluded.”
“How do we make her feel included? I don’t think I want to sleep with her.”
Kita shrugged. “I have no idea. I think she wants to be with someone, not us specifically. It’s been a long time since she’s been with anybody except Galina. I’m sure those last couple of years were like having a gun to her head.”
Panther rested her head against Kita’s arm. “Maybe we could set her up with someone?”
“Like who? Rene’s married to her career. Few people understand that. That’s why she and Galina got along so well—in the beginning.”
“She needs someone who could take her away from it,” said Defiance.
Kita made a face. “Yeah, but who?”
“How about one of the new girls?”
“None of the Valkyries will be willing,” said Panther sitting up. “She’s left a bad taste in everybody’s mouth, and it’s still too early for her to have repaired the damage.”
“That doesn’t leave many,” said Defiance with a frown.
“Only Amanda and she’s too inexperienced to handle Rene,” said Kita warily.
“What about the new girl?”
“What new girl?” said Kita.
“The new girl you just made—Alex.”
“She doesn’t have wings.”
“And how long until she does?” said Defiance with a smirk.
“I don’t know. Maybe never.”
Defiance laughed. “Oh, please. You like her. You’re just playing coy.”
Panther nodded in agreement.
Kita frowned. “She didn’t seem receptive.”
“She was defensive because of what Kylee did,” said Defiance.
“How do we get them in a room, away from their military bearing?” said Panther.
“I can do that,” said Defiance. “I can order them to come to movie night or something.”
“We should talk to Alex
first and see what she thinks,” said Kita.
Defiance laughed and gently hit Kita on the arm. “Look at you being Miss Sensitive.”
“I know I wouldn’t like to be put into that situation.”
Defiance tapped her nail on her teeth. “Good point. Let’s talk to Snowy, and then we’ll find Alex.”
Kita led Panther and Defiance to the medical ward aboard Enterprise. Along the way, Babydoll joined them.
“You’re looking better,” Babydoll said teasing Kita.
“Time with my girls does wonders.”
“Your girls?” said Panther feigning being offended.
“I think you’re our girl,” said Defiance.
Before Kita could say anything, there was a loud cat-like scream from the medical ward.
“Sounds like Snowy’s more than awake,” chuckled Babydoll.
“I wonder what fool told her about Sahara,” muttered Panther.
“I don’t know,” said Kita, “but we should go save Snowy from herself.”
Defiance opened the door. Inside, Snowy, claws out and in a full back brace and halo, faced down two Marines—with their weapons lowered—looking uncertain of what to do. Several beds were on their sides. The rest of the staff was huddling in corners or in other rooms.
“Snowy,” yelled Kita in her command voice.
Snowy turned to face the four Angels. She pointed at Babydoll with her claws. “You! I will kill you or send you back to whatever hell you came from.”
Babydoll held up a hand. “Hey, I was doing your girlfriend a favor. I roughed her up a bit. Case would have killed her.”
“You nearly killed her.”
“The operative word in that sentence is nearly. I didn’t kill her.”
“How am I going to explain this to Collector?” Snowy thought for a second and pointed a claw at Kita. “How are you going to explain it to him?”
Kita shrugged. “I haven’t thought about it, beyond telling him the truth.”
“That you murdered a ship full of Verisom and Diamock sailors?”
Kita held up six fingers. “I killed six ships full of Tet sailors. I thought they should learn a lesson about taking something that isn’t theirs—and for locking me up like a guppy.”
“Are you crazy?” Snowy shrieked. “No, don’t answer that. The Tet will hunt us down for sure.”
Kita shrugged. “As far as the Tet knows, nothing has happened. No one’s left to report it. All they’ll know is five ships were destroyed, and Enterprise is gone. Someone might hypothesize that I’m behind it, but they’ll be chasing ghosts. I’m not planning on leaving them a calling card with the quadrants of where we’re going. Speaking of which, I need those coordinates so I can get us out of here in case someone does show up.”